Washington, D.C. – Today, the New York Immigration Coalition hosted a rally marking the one year anniversary of the introduction of the Arizona SB 1070 law being enacted. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement:

“Today we mark the one year anniversary of the Arizona SB 1070 immigration law being enacted in Arizona. I want to thank the New York Immigration Coalition for highlighting this important turning point of immigration law in our nation and constantly fighting for comprehensive immigration reform.

“Under the new law, Arizona police are required to question people about their immigration status if they suspect the person is in the country illegally. If unable to produce legal documentation, suspects would be arrested, jailed for up to six months, and fined $2,500.

“This law promotes racial profiling as opposed to addressing our broken immigration system. Unfortunately because of Congress’ inability to adequately address immigration, this policy has spread like wildfire across our nation. While I am grateful that the Justice Department is challenging the constitutionality of the law, it is important that the American people continue to press our government to take up comprehensive immigration reform now!

“Our national security is at stake; our moral standing in the world depends on it; and the American people, many of whom are first and second generation immigrants, demanded it. Let us never forget, that when we turn our back on those who come to these shores to become Americans, to be a part of building our great nation, and to embrace the American Dream, we are turning our back on ourselves.”

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